Public Utilities Director

City of Oxford; Oxford (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Oxford seeks an experienced public utilities leader to plan, organize, and direct water and sewer system construction, maintenance, and operation. You will supervise staff and contract labor while coordinating with the City Manager and engineers on major projects.

Responsibilities include budgeting, policy development, and regulatory compliance, plus representing the City to citizens and approving detailed reports and studies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, civil or environmental engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Experience managing municipal public utilities and staff.
• Strong knowledge of budgeting, contracts, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and direct water and wastewater operations and construction.
• Advise City Manager and officials on utilities projects.
• Oversee budgets, contracts, and personnel administration.
• Coordinate with engineers, contractors, and other departments.
• Represent the City to citizens and stakeholders.

Skills

Public utilities

Engineering administration

GIS

Data analysis

Budgeting

Leadership

Communication

Policy compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in public administration civil or environmental engineering

Tools

GIS

Spreadsheets

Data analysis tools

Job description

General Statement of Duties

Performs difficult professional, technical, and administrative work planning, organizing, and directing a variety of public utilities activities including: water and sewer system construction, maintenance and operation.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

An employee in this class plans, organizes and directs the work of employees engaged in a wide variety of municipal operations and services to insure that projects are completed in a safe effective and efficient manner by both municipal work crews and contract labor. The employee provides technical advice and assistance working closely with the City Manager, City Engineer and other members of the Management Team. Work also includes: contract management, handling citizen issues, and budget and personnel administration of the department. The employee represents the City to a wide variety of citizens. Work is performed independently and in coordination with the City Manager and other City officials. The employee is subject to working in inside and outside environments. The employee is also subject to various hazards such as working in close proximity to heavy equipment, loud noises, electrical current, oils, and working in narrow or enclosed spaces. The employee also may be subject to the final standards of the OSHA blood borne pathogens. Work is performed under the general direction of the City Manager and is evaluated by review of reports, conference and acceptance of the community.

Essential Duties and Tasks

• Plans, organizes, and directs either staff or contracted operations of wastewater collection and water distribution system and other public infrastructure as required.
• Represents the City to a wide variety of citizens and is expected to reply promptly and in a manner that embodies the City’s Core Values in response to citizen requests.
• Manages and plans the activities of all public utilities department staff; ensures coordination of activities with other departments.
• Reports to and advises City Manager and officials on public utilities projects and activities.
• Researches and recommends operational changes to the City Manager to increase departmental effectiveness and enhance customer service.
• Performs selection, promotion, training, counseling and evaluation of department personnel in consultation with HR Director and/or City Manager; meets with subordinate supervisors to solve complex problems; sets priorities and deadlines, and provides guidance and direction.
• Reviews and processes documents such as required state reports, construction plans and specifications, inspection reports, budget reports, invoice and purchase requisitions, various agreements, contracts request for information, personnel forms, daily work reports, laboratory reports, technical studies, etc.
• Participates in the long-range planning for infrastructure and service needs of the City for public utilities; works with the City Manager on regional utilities issues; conducts or supervises various studies and advises City Manager and Board on related issues; writes, reviews, interprets and administers policies for the department.
• Prepares departmental operating budget; monitors and approves expenditures; participates in preparation of capital improvement budget.
• Monitors and adapts to changes in regulations regarding water, wastewater, safety and other related issues.
• Plans, organizes, and monitors a variety of contracted work; coordinates with engineers and contractors.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public utilities, and engineering administration, planning and construction.
• Thorough knowledge of related public utilities City policies, state and federal laws and regulations.
• Thorough knowledge of the equipment and materials used in the construction, maintenance and repair of water and sewer lines.
• Considerable knowledge of related engineering principles and practices.
• Considerable knowledge of engineering design principles and ability to apply them to designated projects.
• Considerable knowledge of governmental budgeting, personnel and purchasing practices and related City policies and procedures, and public personnel laws and regulations.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices, laws and regulations relating to supervised functions.
• Considerable knowledge of the application of information technology to the work of the department including GIS, spreadsheets, and data analysis tools.
• Ability to manage subordinate supervisors utilizing effective leadership, communications, motivation, staffing, conflict resolution, and coaching.
• Ability to prepare complex and detailed records and reports.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with City officials, other public officials, employees, contractors and the general public.
• Ability to present ideas effectively in oral and written form.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to perform the physical life functions of climbing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing and use repetitive motions.
• Must be able to perform light work exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally; up to 10 pounds of force frequently and/or constantly.
• Must possess the visual acuity to produce and review written reports and records including mathematical calculations, analyze data, and to read maps, schematic drawings and plans.

Desirable Education and Experience

• Graduation from college with a bachelor's degree in public administration civil or environmental engineering or related field, or considerable experience in a responsible management position in the public utilities field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements

Required:

• Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license.
• Must achieve Grade A Operators Certification Level from the NC Water Treatment Operators Certification Board according to a schedule to be determined based on course availability
• Must achieve certification for Cross Connection Control
• Desired:
• Backflow Prevention
• Possession of a Grade 3 Certification for Wastewater from the NC Water Treatment Operators Certification Board
• Class A,B or C Surface or Class A,B or C Well Certification from the NC Water Treatment Operators Certification Board